Chapter 7

Question 1

Assumptions of the Trait Approach

Answer 1

The trait approach is built on two important assumptions:
That personality characteristics are relatively stable over time.
And;
That personality characteristics are relatively stable across situations.

Question 2

Describe (in order) the key contributions of key theorists in the trait perspective

Answer 2

Allport was first
Cattell - 16PF
Eysenck - 3 factors 
Murray - 27 needs
Costa and McCrae - lots of work on the big 5

Question 3

Name some of the different tests used to assess personality according to the trait perspective

Answer 3

Allport - had no test
Cattell - 16PF
Eysenck - EPQ
Murray - TAT
Costa and McCrae - NEO
and - MMPI - 2

Question 4

In green

What are the basic dimensions of personality/the big 5 factors?

Answer 4

Factor Analysis

OCEAN - Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness

Question 5

Strengths and weaknesses of the trait perspective?

Answer 5

+ Description, testable concepts, heuristic value, applied value
- Poor explanation, awareness of self-report limitations and criticism of variance